RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Distance | 1,543 mi |
| Start / End | Salt Lake City, UT to Denver, CO |
| States Covered | Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado |
| Ideal For | Families, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and history buffs |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
An RV journey from Salt Lake City to Denver is the quintessential American West experience. Spanning 1,543 mi across five distinct states, this route offers an incredible transition of landscapes—from the serene lakes of Idaho to the geothermal wonders of Wyoming, the monumental Black Hills of South Dakota, and finally, the towering peaks of Colorado. Traveling by motorhome allows you to embrace the concept of slow travel, giving you the freedom to wake up near bubbling hot springs or beneath the shadows of majestic rock formations. With an abundance of public lands, well-equipped campgrounds, and wide-open scenic routes, this itinerary is tailor-made for the flexibility and comfort of an RV.
To truly appreciate this vast region, it is essential to pace yourself. This 14-day journey is best approached in sweeping regional stages rather than a rushed daily checklist. The detailed day-by-day itinerary is available exclusively on RV PLANET, but here is how the rhythm of the road unfolds:
This diverse route caters to every type of traveler, blending natural wonders with family-friendly attractions. Here are the key themes you will encounter:
Wyoming is the undisputed star of natural features on this route. Prepare to be stunned by the iconic eruptions at the Old Faithful Visitor and Educational Center and the breathtaking terraces of Mammoth Hot Spring. Later in the trip, the towering igneous intrusion of the Devils Tower Visitor Center offers a dramatic contrast to the bubbling geysers.
For those who love to lace up their boots, this route is a hiker's paradise. You will find incredible paths like the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, the Fairy Falls Trail Parking Lot access point, and the challenging Bunsen Peak Trailhead. Whether you seek panoramic mountain views or close-ups of colorful hot springs, the trail networks are vast.
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the West starting at the American West Heritage Center. As you move into Wyoming, the expialidocious Cody Night Rodeo provides unforgettable evening entertainment. In South Dakota, marvel at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and let the kids burn off energy at the Rush Mountain Adventure Park.
Balance the active days with moments of tranquility. Relax your mind at North Beach State Park early in the trip, and as you near the end of your journey in Colorado, accept the challenge of kayaking and rafting at Mountain Whitewater.
Take time to appreciate local craftsmanship with a visit to the amazing Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, offering a unique glimpse into traditional industries that still thrive in the American West.
We recommend a full 14 days to comfortably cover the 1,543 mi distance. This allows for multi-night stays in key areas like Yellowstone and the Black Hills, preventing the trip from feeling like a continuous driving marathon.
Absolutely. It is one of the most comprehensive cross-sections of the American West, combining world-famous national parks with hidden local gems. It provides a perfect mix of education, adventure, and relaxation.
This route is exceptionally well-suited for families looking for diverse activities, nature lovers eager for wildlife watching, and history buffs interested in pioneer and Native American heritage.
Late spring through early autumn is the optimal window. Summer offers the warmest weather and full access to all park facilities, though it is also the busiest. September is a fantastic alternative, offering cooler temperatures, active wildlife, and beautiful fall foliage. Always check RV PLANET for seasonal campground availability, as many mountain locations close in the winter.
Planning a one-way trip from Salt Lake City to Denver requires some specific logistical considerations. Because you are dropping the vehicle off in a different city than where you started, a one-way fee will generally apply. When budgeting, factor this in alongside your nightly rental rate.
Additionally, pay close attention to your mileage package. This route covers 1,543 mi, but side trips to trailheads, scenic overlooks, and grocery stores will add to that total. It is highly recommended to select an unlimited mileage package or pre-purchase enough miles to comfortably cover the distance with a buffer.
Campgrounds in Yellowstone and near Mount Rushmore are incredibly popular and often book out months in advance. Securing your RV rental early allows you to lock in your dates and immediately begin reserving your campsites. For specific pricing, vehicle options, and availability, utilize the live search tools provided below.
From the salty shores of Utah to the mile-high excitement of Denver, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime. To access the complete day-by-day itinerary, view interactive maps, and secure your perfect motorhome, visit RV PLANET and start planning your ultimate western adventure today.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Native Campervans-24 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), El Monte-2026-E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)), Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Salt Lake City (SLC area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $480–$620 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $500–$800 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $400–$700 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$850 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds, and peak summer travel for a family of four. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Ease into the journey with cultural history and relaxing lakeside views before heading north toward the mountains.
Spend several days exploring geothermal basins, iconic trails, and spotting wildlife at a leisurely, immersive pace.
Transition from national parks to authentic rodeo culture and local artisan mills in the heart of Wyoming.
Marvel at towering rock formations, presidential monuments, and thrilling subterranean adventure parks.
Wrap up the journey with exhilarating whitewater rafting and a scenic descent into the Mile High City.
Total cost for this 14-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,543 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Salt Lake City → Denver pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Salt Lake City pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Family Sleeper (FS) El Monte-2026-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 31.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Salt Lake City → Denver route.
Picking up in Salt Lake City but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: